People who do not have very many assets, still need to get estate plans. However, the best plans for them may not be the same as the best plans for wealthier people.
Much of the estate planning advice you can find online is written with the idea that the person receiving the advice has some wealth built up.
It is estate planning for people who are rich or those who will become rich.
However, most people in the U.S. are not rich.
Millions of people have very little wealth built up, but they still need to plan for the assets they do have and that they want to protect.
That can be different than what the wealthy need to do, as the Napa Valley Register points out in “New dad wonders about estate planning.”
One thing people with limited assets should understand, is that they might not need a trust to avoid probate.
Most states have a law that provides for the simple transfer of assets, if the estate is below a certain total amount. In such instances, even a will does not have to be entered into probate.
The amount varies from state to state, so you will want to check with an estate planning attorney in your state.
Nevertheless, just because you might not need to worry about probate, does not mean you should not get an estate plan.
If you have minor children, for example, then you will definitely want a will so you can choose who would be your child’s guardian, if anything happens to you.
Estate planning attorneys work with all kinds of clients from every income level. Do not think that a lack of assets disqualifies you from seeking their services.
Reference: Napa Valley Register (August 24, 2017) “New dad wonders about estate planning.”
